Therapy for Growth, Clarity & Real-Life Resilience

Meet Melissa

Melissa is committed to helping people become the healthiest, strongest versions of themselves — emotionally, mentally, and physically. Drawing on decades of experience in teaching, personal training, well-being coaching, and psychotherapy, she supports clients in developing clarity, self-trust, resilience, and practical coping strategies.

Her practice centres on self-identification, self-prioritization, growth mindset, and actionable tools that help you manage relationships, transitions, stress, and everyday challenges. She provides a safe, validating space where you can explore your story, understand your patterns, and move toward a life that feels meaningful.

Melissa Lerner

RP (Qualifying), BPS, OCT, BA

“I became a therapist after experiencing the impact of counselling in my own life. Therapy helped me work through anxiety and depression, understand my emotions, and build lasting inner strength. That transformation encouraged me to support others in creating change in their own personal journeys”.

Professional Training & Credentials

Melissa brings a strong blend of academic excellence and professional training to her counselling work. Her background spans psychology, education, and health—giving her a well-rounded perspective on personal growth, behaviour, and the mind–body connection.

Education
• Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP), Yorkville University
• Bachelor of Professional Studies (Honours with Distinction), Niagara University
• Bachelor of Arts, Boston, Massachusetts

Credentials & Memberships
• Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), CRPO
• Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
• Ontario College of Teachers
• Canfitpro Certified Personal Trainer & Fitness Instructor

ADHD & Educational Therapy

As an ADHD specialist and experienced teacher (K–6), Melissa brings a unique skill set that bridges emotional well-being with academic success. She works with children, teens, and adults to strengthen executive functioning, confidence, and mental wellness.

This integrated approach helps families, students, and professionals navigate daily demands with more ease and confidence.

Support includes:

• ADHD assessment-informed strategies
• Executive functioning skills (planning, focus, regulation)
• Emotional regulation tools
• Classroom & school-related struggles
• Deeply Feeling/Highly Sensitive Kids
• Parenting support for academic or behavioural stress
• Teacher wellness, burnout, and work-life balance

What Melissa can help with

Weekend and evening sessions tailored to your busy life and personal growth.

Mental & Emotional Health

Support for anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, stress and overwhelm, and self-esteem or personal growth.

Children, Teens & Families

Support for school struggles, academic pressure and performance, ADHD and behavioural concerns, emotional regulation, and parent coaching.

Women’s Wellness

Support for childlessness by circumstance, infertility-related grief, emotional healing after unmet expectations, rebuilding identity, confidence, and purpose, and navigating new relationships or blended family dynamics.

Couples therapy for communication and attachment, divorce or separation and rebuilding, dating and relationship challenges, boundary setting, and navigating major life changes or identity shifts.

Relationships & Life Transitions

Therapy Approach

• Psychodynamic therapy - exploring emotional roots and long-standing patterns
• Holistic well-being - integrating mind, body, lifestyle, and nervous system support
• Strength-based mindset - building resilience, confidence, and personal agency
• Client-centred collaboration - you set the goals, Melissa supports the path
• Growth mindset coaching - helping you shift from limitation to possibility

Melissa’s work blends evidence-based psychotherapy with holistic insight and practical grounding. Your story guides the process, and each session is tailored to your goals and pace.

Her approach includes:

This creates a therapeutic experience that’s warm, validating, and action-oriented.

Complete the form to get started — whether you’re ready to book or just have a question.

Flexible Support for Busy Lives

To make therapy accessible for students, working adults, and families, Melissa offers:

• Weekend sessions
• Evening sessions
• Virtual therapy across Ontario

Therapy that fits your schedule — not the other way around.

Common Questions

What is counseling?

Counselling is a supportive space to explore feelings and challenges with guidance.

How long are sessions?

Sessions typically last 50 minutes, fitting into busy schedules with evening and weekend options.

What approach do you use?

Melissa uses a warm, holistic, psychodynamic approach that blends her experience in education, fitness, and psychotherapy.

Can I book online?

Yes, you can easily book your sessions through the website at any time.

Are sessions confidential?

Absolutely, all sessions are private and handled with the utmost care and respect.

What if I need to reschedule?

You can reschedule with advance notice; Melissa understands life’s unpredictability and works with you.